Pubdate: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 Source: Sun.Star Cebu (Philippines) Copyright: 2004 Sun.Star Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1690 NARCOPOLITICS-FREE COUNTRY The following is an edited version of the joint declaration of the delegates to the National Consultation on Drug Abuse and Narcopolitics held at the Cebu Grand Hotel last June 25-27, 2004.) "Evil triumphs when good men and women do nothing." Inspired by these immortal words, we, the 109 delegates from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have gathered to listen to, discuss and pray with one another on the topic: "Towards a Drug and Narcopolitics-free Philippines." We stand united against the twin evils of drug abuse and narcopolitics, recognizing the vital role of faith in this advocacy and the need to build trust by living in truth. We are inspired by a vision larger than ourselves; of a dream that transforms us even as it transforms society. In the past, rhetoric not translated into action led to failure in the efforts against illegal drugs. Efforts to recover moral ascendancy must begin by weeding out corrupt and incompetent officials from law enforcement, prosecution, judicial, and correctional institutions. Recent successes in the government's effort to reduce supply are encouraging. We commend committed members of the five pillars of the criminal justice system whose united actions have erupted in a melodious song of hope. Yet there is no room for complacency. No rest Effective awareness and drug education programs remain largely non-existent. Law enforcement ranks and government resources are very thinly stretched while drug money corrupts government, business, and civil society. Increased government budgetary allocations for the anti-drug campaign, particularly the government rehab centers, must be assured and released. Continuing education vis-a-vis R.A. 9165 is a must. Poverty and unemployment need to be addressed; fear and public apathy, overcome. The financial and managerial infrastructure of the drug trade must be countered through effective police work and strict implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. All sectors of society need to get their acts together. There will be no rest until Nanay Maria, the typical Filipino mother, feels safe from illegal drugs. While distorted values contribute to the problem, drug dependency is primarily a physiological disease affecting the brain. It is triggered by a multitude of social, economic and environmental factors which impacts on the individual, the family, the Church and society. These are aggravated by the lack of community, institutional, and spiritual support systems and coping mechanisms and the seeming incapacity of our leaders to implement the law. Role of the family The role of the family is essential to the recovery of the drug dependent and in eradicating the debilitating effects of co-dependency, guilt, anxiety, fear, and anger. Family-focused programs make individuals realize and gain their self-worth and security. Compassion heals. Concerted and sustained initiatives from civil society do bear fruit, proving that ordinary citizens can make a difference. Twelve-step programs, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, provide psycho-spiritual recovery to victims of drug abuse. They are rays of hope to all of us in our constant battle to overcome the drug problem. There is still an enormous need for cooperation and coordination among various sectors of society to make RA 9165 work. We need to mobilize and empower the family, community, schools, barangays, and parishes, as the last bastion of integrity. Media collaboration is essential. We need to help our government and law enforcers in this crusade. Efforts to make the PNP - and other institutions - God-centered, service-oriented, and family-based deserve support. A god-size problem requires a God-size solution. Commitment We must start with our own commitment. Evil will not triumph when good men and women do something. Today. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin